Preface

Children have a natural tendency to explore and learn. Learning begins at a very early age and continues throughout life. Children have a great desire to learn and explore; they actively explore their surroundings, learn to communicate, and form ideas about what they see around them. Children grow quickly, especially in the first six years, which we call the preschool period, and they become proficient in language, cognition, social-emotional development, and motor development with astonishing speed. For this reason, the child needs to continue their development in a healthy environment at a young age. The role of preschool education has been scientifically proven in the success of people at later ages. Everything that is given in a positive or negative sense directly affects a person in their adult years. Every child deserves the best quality preschool education and care.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of literacy, pedagogical leadership, high-quality preschool education, and preschool improvement practices. It also discusses the role of theater in childhood education and community approaches to funding and support. Other topics addressed include childhood obesity; connecting home, school, and communities; childcare social enterprises; teacher quality and professional development; motor, cognitive, nutritional, metabolic, and epigenetic influences on early childhood; and instructional and interactional aspects of childhood education.

> **Dr. Hülya Şenol** Associate Professor, Department of Education, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Güzelyurt, North Cyprus
